How planners can maximize America 250 celebrations
June 30, 2026
Elliott L. Ferguson II shares how DDC is helping planners navigate and maximize the opportunities surrounding America 250 celebrations across the city.
Tag Archives: Destination DC
Washington, D.C., tourism achieves record economic impact in 2025
May 18, 2026
The nation’s capital welcomed more than 27.2 million visitors in 2025, marking its third consecutive year of record visitation and economic impact, according to Destination DC.
Destination DC’s Shirley Del Carpio promoted to director of sales
November 27, 2025
Destination DC has promoted Shirley Del Carpio to director of sales. Del Carpio joined Destination DC in 2021 as a senior national account director.
Talking Points: Leading with Connection in a Changing Meetings Landscape
October 1, 2025
Melissa A. Riley is the senior vice president of convention sales and services at Destination DC (DDC), the official convention and tourism organization for the nation’s capital. With more than 26 years in the travel and hospitality industry, she leads a team of more than 30 professionals dedicated to generating positive economic impact for the District of Columbia through meetings, conventions, and events.
Destination DC announces new executive team and senior staff
December 11, 2024
Destination DC (DDC) has announced new key promotions among the executive team and senior staff. Joining the executive team, Dianna Waldroup has been named vice president of convention services and Letizia Sirtori as vice president of tourism and global development. Alex Gnafakis has been promoted within senior staff to senior creative director, while Lindsay Hill joins senior staff with her promotion to director of visitor experience and group tour.
Destination DC announces expanded Special Agent Academy tourism training platform
October 25, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, D.C., announces its expanded Special Agent Academy training platform designed to equip travel agents, tour operators, and local hospitality workers with the essential knowledge and tools to effectively promote and sell Washington, D.C., as a premier travel destination.
MLB teams promote ‘More Than a Ballpark’ collaboration for meetings and events
October 18, 2024
Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced a new strategic partnership, “More Than a Ballpark,” with select teams and destinations to promote meetings, events, concerts, and other non-baseball gatherings at their ballparks throughout the year.
Destination DC welcomes Meade Atkeson as board chairperson
June 27, 2024
Meade Atkeson, general manager of the Royal Sonesta hotel in Washington, D.C., has been appointed as chairperson of Destination D.C.’s board of directors.
Washington, D.C. had the most visitors ever in 2023
June 4, 2024
More people visited Washington, D.C. in 2023 than ever before, according to Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital.
Destination DC promotes executive team members
December 18, 2023
Destination DC has promoted two members of its executive team. Claire Carlin has been named senior vice president of partnerships & alliances and Tara Miller is director of global sales.
